It can be difficult to get approved for a new credit card when you have a less-than-perfect credit score. Fortunately, it’s still possible to be accepted for certain cards. In fact, some credit cards in the UK are designed to help people rebuild their credit history and improve their standing. Plus, you can find out if you’re likely to be approved for the card instantly without further hurting your credit score. Search online to find which credit cards are good for people with bad credit.
Some factors that will vary between credit cards include limits, interest rates, and rewards. Compare what each has to offer with an online search.
dean bertoncelj / ShutterstockHere are five credit cards in the UK you may be instantly approved for.
1. Capital One Classic Credit Card
Rebuild your credit score with the Capital One Classic Credit Card. This card offers credit limits ranging from £200 to £1,500 with an APR of 34.9 percent. Choosing a manageable limit and making your monthly payments on time can help to improve your credit score.¹
Over six million people have already been approved for this card. You can find out if you’ll be accepted for it without taking a hit on your credit score. Simply complete a form with your details and you could receive your answer in just 60 seconds.
2. Tesco Bank Foundation Credit Card
Named the Best Credit Builder Credit Card in 2021 at the Moneyfacts Consumer Awards, the Tesco Bank Foundation card is a good choice for people with bad credit.² Before officially applying for the card, find out if you will be approved by using the eligibility checkout. It takes minutes to complete and won’t impact your credit score
Once approved, you can secure a credit limit between £250 and £1,500. If you make regular on-time payments, then your limit could be increased.
Cardholders can track their credit score with monthly updates through Tesco Bank CreditView. Plus, collect Clubcard points every time you shop at Tesco and everywhere else.
3. Vanquis Credit Cards
The credit cards from Vanquid are designed for individuals with bad credit. As such, these cards have low limits and make it easy for you to improve your credit score.
You can use Vanquis Bank’s Eligibility Checker to get an instant decision on whether you qualify for a card. Moreover, this checker won’t impact your credit score.
Vanquis offers three cards to choose from. They are:
- Vanquis Chrome: Offers a starting credit limit up to £1,200.
- Vanquis Classic: Offers a starting credit limit up to £600.
- Vanquis Origin: Offers a starting credit limit up to £250.
The interest rates for these cards range from 29.5 to 59.9 percent.³ By paying your monthly minimum on time each month and not using all your available credit, you could improve your credit score.
4. Lloyds Bank Credit Cards
Lloyds Bank offers different types of credit cards to its customers with varying credit history and personal needs. Depending on your credit score and preferences, there are four credit cards to choose from.⁴ They are:
- Everyday spending credit cards;
- Balance transfer credit cards;
- Large purchase credit cards, and;
- Cashback credit cards.
Find out which credit cards you’re eligible for, as well as an estimated credit limit, by answering a few questions through One Check. This eligibility checker will let you know whether you’re likely to be approved in about five minutes without impacting your credit score.
5. opus
Whether you’ve never had a credit card or looking to improve your credit score, opus may be able to help. You can apply for an opus card regardless of credit score or if you’ve been denied credit in the past. Before officially applying, use the FastCheck eligibility checker to see how likely you are to be accepted.
Cardholders will receive a credit limit between £250 and £1,200 with a 39.9 percent interest rate. Opus will make sure not to offer you a limit higher than you can afford.⁵ Plus, you can change the date your card repayments are due up to three times per year.
Compare Credit Cards Online
Even those with bad credit history can get approved for a new credit card. However, before applying for just any card, make sure to determine that it’s right for you. See if there’s an eligibility checker that will reveal how likely you are to be accepted. That way, you’ll only be submitting an application to a card that guarantees approval and won’t impact your credit score if you’re denied.
To help you choose a credit card, compare the various fees and options you’ll be offered as a cardholder. This includes things like interest rates, credit limits, and potential perks. Search online to get started and see what’s available to you.